Fernand Neuray's Quinze Jours en Égypte is a brisk, personal diary of a two-week trip taken in the early 20th century. He doesn't follow a strict guidebook itinerary. Instead, he wanders, observes, and reacts. We travel with him from the bustling port of Alexandria down the Nile to Cairo and the iconic pyramids at Giza.

The Story

There's no traditional plot, but the journey itself is the story. Neuray acts as our eyes and ears. He describes the chaotic energy of Egyptian cities, the quiet majesty of the desert, and the sheer scale of ancient monuments. He shares conversations with dragomen (guides), his impressions of fellow European travelers, and his own moments of wonder and frustration. It's less about historical facts and more about the immediate experience of being there.

Why You Should Read It

This book is special because it feels honest. Neuray isn't trying to sell you on Egypt or present a perfect, romanticized version. His account is fresh, sometimes messy, and full of genuine curiosity. You get a clear sense of what fascinated a visitor from that era—the technology of the trains, the social customs, the sheer novelty of it all. Reading it today, you're seeing a world that no longer exists, filtered through one man's perceptive and relatable gaze.

Final Verdict

Perfect for armchair travelers, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good, old-fashioned travel story. If you like the idea of stepping into a vintage postcard and wandering around, this is your book. It's a quick, charming escape to a different time and place.